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Why does Hashem (ה׳) count the Jewish people in Bamidbar when the Shechinah already descended in Nisan? The Maharal's insight reveals that divine counting isn't census-taking but connection-making, like how a person constantly touches their money out of attachment. This transforms the relationship from Hashem being near us (transcendental) to being upon us (immanent), making us His ambassadors in the world.
Rabbi Zweig opens by addressing the seemingly confusing chronology of Sefer Bamidbar, where events appear out of temporal order, with the dedication of the Mishkan (Chanukah (חנוכה) HaMishkan) appearing in three different sefarim on the same date - Rosh Chodesh Nisan. He questions why Parshas Naso reverts to earlier events when Bamidbar begins with Rosh Chodesh Iyar. The central thesis emerges through an analysis of Rashi (רש"י)'s commentary on why Hashem (ה׳) counts the Jewish people. Rashi explains that God counts them 'ki bikesh l'hashria shechinaso aleihem' - because He wished to rest His divine presence upon them. The Maharal's question about timing is addressed: why count them on Rosh Chodesh Iyar when the Shechinah already descended on Rosh Chodesh Nisan? The answer lies in understanding that counting represents divine connection, not enumeration.
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Parshas Bamidbar, Parshas Naso
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